“Japanland” Author Karin Muller’s Top Travel Books
Travel Blog • Jim Benning • 11.22.05 | 11:56 PM ET
We often publish lists of writers’ favorite travel books when we interview them or review one of their books. So when Terry Ward reviewed Karin Muller’s “Japanland” recently, she tried to track down Muller to get her picks. Muller was out of reach, though, and we published the review without them. Then yesterday, Ward received an e-mail from Muller: “I’m so sorry for having been out of touch all these weeks….I know that in our modern age it’s hard to find a place that can’t get email, but the Mekong river in Cambodia apparently qualifies.” Apparently so. Of course, that sounded like a perfect excuse to us. Muller graciously included her three favorite books, and now her list, along with brief explanations, can be found with Ward’s review.
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Jim Benning is the editor and co-founder of World Hum.
Jun Okumura 12.09.05 | 3:50 AM ET
Karin:
If you’re reading this, I’m Jun Okumura? JETRO New York? Now back in Japan. I lost your email address, so I’m using this bog. (Beg pardon, Ms. Ward.) I found your new book at the Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo, bought it, and finished it on the commuter train (yes, you can read on Japanese commuter trains; it just takes a little wa) in a matter of days. It is way too cool. Congratulations. Any plans to publish in Japanese?
Mark Hoyt 12.22.05 | 12:43 PM ET
I finished Karin’s book Japanland
yesterday. I teach World Studies
to High School seniors and this
past June spent 22 days in Japan
as part of the Japan Fulbright
Memorial Fund program for teachers.
I found Karin’s book accurate, very
readable and full of wonderful info.
Is there anyway to get her Video of
her travels. And Jun if possible her email address to thank her for
a wonderful look at the “real”
Japan. Thank You. Mark Hoyt
Rachel Johnson 02.22.06 | 2:37 PM ET
I read Karin’s book coming back from Colorado. I couldn’t put it down.
In high school (1979-80), I went to Japan as an exchange student. My host mother was another Yukiko. I couldn’t do anything right. As I learned some of the language, I found out that all she did was complain about me to friends and neighbors.
Over time, my host sisters avoided me as much as possible. I was very lonely toward the end of my 11 month stay. For many years, I thought I was just a bad and ill mannered person.
In college, I went back to Japan for a year to prove that I could “fit in”. This time I was better prepared. I had studied the language and culture. I met incredibly nice people (like those nurses and doctors at the hospital Karin stayed in.) and finally understood that it was my host family that had the problem, not me.
I still love Japan. I took my family there last year to visit friends and we are taking in a Japanese exchange student next fall for the year. We hope to create a wonderful year in America for her.
I would love to see Karin’s documentary on Japan. Is there any way to buy it?
Rachel
Marian Goldberg 07.19.06 | 12:09 PM ET
Hi Jun, What’s your current email? How are you? Have you seen the DVD yet? Yes, the book
is wonderful. Now she’s writing a high school LESSON PLAN for world and asian studies teachers!
It never ends!
Marian
KB 09.15.06 | 1:47 PM ET
I am reading Japanland now. It has been so long since I’ve been focussed enuff to read as much as I have done in the past 24 hours.
In particular, I am enjoying your choice of words. (On the first google result for Karin Muller, the site has shots that seem to relate to Japanland). There image11 of archer on horseback :“The continuous focus on my F100 had no trouble keeping up with the moving target.”
Nathan Hoofnel 12.15.06 | 1:16 AM ET
Karin Muller is one hell of a woman. She isn’t afraid to just pack up and go. Japanland is the second book of hers I have read, the first being Hitchhiking Vietnam. Her experience in Japan is vividly portrayed in the book..sometimes with humor and sometimes with a touch of sadness. Keep up the good work Karin. Hopefully you recovered well after all those Judo slams.
Jun Okumura 12.17.06 | 6:35 PM ET
Mark, Rachel:
One word: Google.
http://www.japanlandonline.com/
Happy typing.
Jun Okumura 12.17.06 | 6:40 PM ET
Typed in wrong URL; this is the correct one.
And Marian, JETRO NY has my email address.
Filip Bertilsson 03.13.07 | 1:50 PM ET
Dear Karin
Im just ordinary guy from Czech republic who after few trips find my wife in Sweden. I have never even get close to your type of travelling, but in my mind… Well why do I write? Yesterday just finishet the last part of your travel program here in Sweden. My and my wife Hanna (just married)haven`t miss single one of them! Well after the finish I just felt that I have to thank You for those 4 hours when I completly forget the time passing by. It was the nices documentary I`ve ever seen. So thank you for the beautiful way you have shown another country and that you have shared your experiance with us! So thank you and good luck on your anothers journeys!! (sorry for the english.. =)
carolyn Almassy 07.03.08 | 5:20 PM ET
I have just finished reading Karin’s wonderful book-Japanland. I would love to find the documentary series shown on PBS television in 2004/2005. i have tried PBS online without any luck. If anyone can give me some suggestions as to where to look next I would be very grateful. What an extraordinary woman!